A political advertisement featuring the Religious Zionist Party’s Bezalel Smotrich has sparked controversy at the Jerusalem College of Technology (JCT), known as Lev Academic Center. The large poster was displayed for weeks on the JCT campus, particularly at Machon Tal, which serves Orthodox and haredi female nursing students.
Located on Deganya Street with views of Highway 16, the poster was a prominent feature for thousands of daily commuters. Many familiar with the institution expressed surprise at the political endorsement, especially given Smotrich’s history of opposing the drafting of haredi men. Since its founding in 1969, JCT has produced numerous graduates in engineering and nursing, aiming to combine academic rigor with religious studies.
Prof. Ze’ev Lev, the founder of JCT, established the college to fill a perceived gap in Jerusalem’s educational offerings, creating a respected institution that now boasts over 17,000 graduates. Machon Tal, where women pursue degrees alongside Torah studies, is situated in a Givat Shaul building owned by the Ben-David family.
Concerns arose among local residents and JCT officials regarding the placement of the campaign poster under the institution’s name. Prof. Avi Domb, the president of JCT, and vice president Stuart Hershkowitz clarified that the college has no political affiliations and described the advertisement as misleading. They expressed their disagreement with the sign’s placement and reached out to building owner Oded Ben-David, requesting its removal or covering it up. Their requests were not acted upon.
Complaints regarding the poster were lodged with the Jerusalem Municipality, which also called for its removal. Ben-David, who had previously displayed campaign signs for other political figures, expressed his support for Smotrich, asserting, “Bibi will manage on his own. Now I’m especially for Smotrich.”
The nonprofit Academy for a Democratic Israel became involved, instructing its legal team to send a formal request for the poster’s removal. While Domb and Hershkowitz distanced themselves from this legal action, the poster was taken down last week, although it remains unclear who was responsible for its removal. With the sign now gone, the situation at the campus has returned to normal.
